Brisbane, QLD


Tuesday, July 26, 2016

EXPLORING THE STATION (Savannah Way 12 )

In Australia the term "Station" is used to describe a large farm or ranch. Pungalina is a huge station in NT (see map) but it no longer runs cattle it is a conservation park. The managers live in a homestead next to the station airstrip and river.  
 While we were waiting for others to return from the helicopter trip (last post) we walked around the homestead.


We came across a paddock full of rusting farm vehicles, fencing wire, engines and bits of everything. The manager called it their 'Bunnings" (the name of a big hardware chain ).

 John, the manager took us on a nature walk. He took us to a pretty creek and pointed out some wild life.


We followed the creek to where it joined the Calvert River. The same river we had followed in the helicopter to the Gulf of Carpentaria. We were reminded to keep an eye out for crocodiles and not to go too close to the water.
 I wasn't close to the water, I used my zoom lens.

When everyone had enjoyed the helicopter ride and lunch in the homestead grounds, we were driven back to the camp site, just long enough to get into our swim togs for a short coach trip on a bumpy station road to a place called "Bubbling Sands".
 This was a warm thermal pool where the hot water bubbled up through the sand making the sand rise up in bubbles. There were no crocodiles here.

 It was fun watching it through the crystal clear water and standing on the sand bubbles. (I am nearest the camera)

17 comments:

  1. Ha, you are nearly underwater and no back curtains showing :-P I just knew crocodiles tales were coming.

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  2. oh wow on that warm water, would love to get in that... the spider is an awesome shot and the water views amazing. the truck is a work of art

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  3. What a pretty place - less the crocs that is. The rusty vehicle shots are fun and the spider is super cool but I really love the shots of the springs!

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  4. Interesting. And beautiful. The expression 'station' reminds me of Nevil Shute's novels!

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  5. My goodness I love that creek...how breathtaking :)

    I wish you a wonderful Wednesday!

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  6. Hello, looks like a neat place to visit. The warm swimming hole sounds awesome. I like the bird and spider shots and the views of the station. Enjoy your day and the week ahead!

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  7. Looks a delightful place to stop over. Have a great day t'other Diane

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  8. Pleased to hear there are no crocs in the warm pool.

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  9. Haven't been in water like this in so bloody long

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  10. Oh that pool looks so inviting! Great spot and thank you for the definition of 'Station' in 'Australian" ... I didn't know that.

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  11. What an interesting excursion (except the spider !)

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  12. That was my first thought when I saw you in the water Diane, yikes what about the crocs😃 Bubbles are much less dangerous 😃 You have such an amazing photo diary of your travels!

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  13. That was my first thought when I saw you in the water Diane, yikes what about the crocs😃 Bubbles are much less dangerous 😃 You have such an amazing photo diary of your travels!

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  14. Looks like a lovely way to end the day! love the colours in the rusty old truck

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  15. It was so lush and beautuful there, Diane. The water lilies are gorgeous. Glad to catch up with your amazing trip!

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